Top Five Footballers of India in 2024

Today, India has come a long way in football as talent and hard work has ushered in a new era for sports enthusiasts in this wonderful game. If we speak of football, the game has seen the likes of  Pele, Maradona and Cryuff, who have given fans some of the most iconic and memorable moments to remember the game whether on or off the field. Coming back to India, the subcontinent has produced prominent talents who have marked their place in the history of Indian football and beyond.

Now let’s look into some of the noteworthy players in that has cemented their place in the realm of football:

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri is considered as one of the greatest footballers in the history of India. Born on August 3rd, 1984, in Secunderabad, he has been the cornerstone of Indian football for decades. Sunil started his international career in 2005. After playing for seven years as an Indian footballer,his fortune struck when AIFF gave him a chance to become a captain of the Indian Football team and lead the team throughout the upcoming games. He also played for Benguluru FC in the Indian Super League. Sunil’s goal-scoring abilities and leadership earned him a lot of respect, domestically and internationally. Furthermore, in an era of Ronaldo and Messi, Sunil became the second active international goalscorer in 2019. Throughout his career, Sunil not only scored crucial goals but also inspired a lot of younger generations on and off the field. His dedication to sport and consistent performance inspire people across India and all over the world. 

“You have to be tough and have a lot of faith” - Sunil Chhetri

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

One of the best goalkeepers that India has ever produced in recent years is undoubtedly Gurpeet Singh Sandhu who was born on February 3rd, 1992 in Mohali, Punjab. Gurpreet's journey towards becoming a most sought-after footballer was his hard work and dedication to the game. He made history by becoming the first Indian player to play in the UEFA Europa League for a Norwegian club in 2016. In the ISL, Sandhu plays for Bengaluru FC, where his commanding presence in goalkeeping has helped the team to achieve success. Sandhu is known for his power stopping, ability to aerial power and supplying balls from the post to different footballers.         

 Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan is a rugged defender known for his physical strength, tactical defending abilities and awareness. Born on July 21, 1993, in Chandigarh, Sandesh has been in India’s defensive lines for many years now. He started his career with United Sikkim FC and played for Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL. He is a fan favorite due to his commitment and defensive skills. Furthermore, Jhingan's contribution to the national team has been significant, playing a crucial role in defense and contributing to India’s improving performances in international competitions. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has earned respect and praise from fans.  

Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh is a talented winger known for his blistering pace and dribbling skills. Born on June 14, 1996, in Manipur, he has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Indian football. He plays for Bengaluru FC and has quickly established himself as a key player for the attacking setup in the team. Udanta’s ability to enter into the opponent's defense coupled with pinpoint crosses into the box has made him a valuable player both at domestic and international levels. He has represented India at various youth levels before making his senior debut. As a consistent performer for the national team, he has played a major role in the attacking powerhouse of the Indian team.   

Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa is a dynamic midfielder known for his vision, passing ability and work rate. Born on January 15, 1998, in Uttarakhand, Aairudh has risen through the ranks at Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, slowly pushing his career from clubs to the national team. His ability to dictate play from midfield and the proficiency to enter into the territory of opponents has given him an edge in the game today. Anirudh plays a major role in Chennaiyin FC midfield, not just wrt attacking the ball but also stealing the ball from the opponents. Anirudh’s technical skills and understanding of the game have made him the best among the fans and coaches alike. He has been instrumental in  regulating India's midfield offensive and defensive whenever his team needed him.

So to conclude, these footballers represent the best that Indian football has to offer in 2024. Their passion towards the game and the skills they have shown and the dedication they have to the game have not only elevated their own careers but also inspired a new generation of footballers in India. As the greatest sport continues to grow day by day and as the popularity and infrastructure improves, these players will continue to play a huge role in shaping the future of Indian football on both domestic and international stages be it on field or off.